It’s already a gruelling wait for the next generation of PlayStation and Xbox at the end of 2020, and all of the unannounced games they will bring. But there is plenty of awesome releases between now and then! Here’s what the Supanova editorial team is excited for.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Nintendo Switch
March 20
Coming back to Nintendo after a long break, and for the first time on the Switch, is the fifth title in the Animal Crossing series. This iteration of the adorable simulation will see us take up life on a gorgeous island paradise after accepting a vacation package from recurring character and local tanuki, Tom Nook.
New Horizons will contain a variety of features that are well known and beloved to the series, as well as a bunch of new stuff to enjoy while building up your deserted island into a dream getaway. After customising your own character, you’ll find yourself on the island with a small tent to live in. From there, you’ll be able to start harvesting, foraging, collecting and fishing your way across the island. Also returning to the series is an improved crafting system that allows you to develop all the tools and furniture you’ll need to get started.
One of the coolest features of Animal Crossing is the in-game clock, which can be set depending on whether you’re in the northern or southern hemisphere, and will then match the in-game seasons to your location’s actual season. The changing of the seasons will provide your villager with plenty to discover across the different times of the year, supplying players with a cool new level of immersion.
Best of all, New Horizons will allow co-op gameplay, so you can share your island with up to four players locally or eight players online. Better yet, the game only requires a joy-con per player, so you can start your deserted island getaway package with a friend using one of the two joy-cons that come with the Nintendo Switch.
– Jake Bell
Vampire the Masquerade: Bloodlines 2
PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One
No official date
Back in 2004, a little game called Vampire the Masquerade: Bloodlines came out the same day as Half-Life 2, and as you can imagine it was pretty much overshadowed; combined with a litany of bugs within the game, it didn’t do great commercially. However, it has since gained a cult following.
Then E3 happened and the trailer for Vampire the Masquerade: Bloodlines 2 gloriously appeared on the screen. I never expected another game from this particular IP, just because the resurgence of popularity is only fairly recent. Nonetheless, having a chance to further explore the universe and its lore is extremely exciting.
Bloodlines 2 is set in Seattle, where your character is attacked in a Mass Embrace, throwing you into the violent, secretive, political and bloody world of vampires. Players can expect an interactive story, where the choices and allies your character makes throughout the game matters and then there’s the combat system.
In the first game, your gameplay experience and your choices in combat are dependent on which faction you belong to, and it’s the same in this one. However, there looks to be more variety in what you can do as a vampire, and because the graphics are incredible, the powers that you have as a vampire look decidedly awesome when unleashed on enemies.
– Karen Hansord
No Straight Roads
PlayStation 4 and PC
“Early” 2020
There are many types of games I look forward too, but the ones that always get me jumping and ready to go straight away are ones with style. No Straight Roads falls dead in the middle of that category. It took one trailer to sell me on the game. Games like No Straight Roads can be hit or miss sometimes as focusing so heavily on style can sometimes be a detriment. Although, I’m not worried when it comes to that department. As long as there is enough variety in the gameplay as its aesthetic, then it’s a slam dunk. You play in a place called the Vinyl City and fight people with your guitar in the pursuit of music.
– Arian Kaeding
Cyberpunk 2077
PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC
April 16
This open-world game allows you to step into a new world and build your own Cyberpunk story. With a vast array of customisable options, it will no doubt revolutionise games of its kind. From appearance to skillset to determining whether people live or die, this game is sure to suck you into a world where technology and humans are one.
The people in Cyberpunk come from all walks of life, showing just another layer of this extremely complex game. From the futuristic and eccentric worlds to the deeply thought out psychological aspects of this game, CD Projekt Red has thrown its all into this game.
– Jacqui May
The Last of Us Part II
PlayStation 4
May 29
Naughty Dog is known for their incredible linear storytelling, grounded gameplay, attention to detail and striving for as close to perfection as they can possibly get. Though, according to Neil Druckmann (Creative Director of The Last of Us), The Last of Us Part II will take it up another notch, becoming their most ambitious game yet. Part II will continue the beautifully told story of the first instalment; however, gamers will be playing as 19-year old Ellie, five years on from the events of the first game.
Though the story is mostly shrouded in mystery, we know that the relationship between Ellie and Joel will be strained at the beginning of Part II — something that was to be expected after the controversial end of the first instalment. Ellie has adapted to a new lifestyle in Jackson, Wyoming, patrolling the area and seeking out the infected, clickers and bloaters, while living rather securely amongst other survivors — though we know that fleeting comfort will probably not last long.
In terms of gameplay, Naughty Dog has promised a grounded experience that also allows a wider variety of weapon customization, abilities and mobility. The gameplay mechanics have also been enhanced to provide a further emotional response from players, such as involving believable human enemies with names, and animal threats. Beyond all of this, it’s the story that truly is the heart and soul of The Last of Us. How Naughty Dog will tackle the relationships, the threats, the inner turmoils and challenges of our characters is what I am most excited about. This game has taken many years to develop, and I believe it’s perfectly safe to assume the utmost care has gone into every meticulous detail.
– Frances Markopoulos
Bayonetta 3
Nintendo Switch
No official date
Bayonetta 2 is the reason I own a Wii U, and until Breath of the Wild released, was the sole game I had on the console. That’s three glorious years of just Bayonetta 2. Bayonetta 3 doesn’t have a release date yet, but it’s got to be coming in 2020, right? Forget the new PlayStation or Xbox; if Nintendo wants my money, all they have to do is let Bayonetta loose.
Why is Bayonetta so good? Because she’s ridiculous. I was in love with her the moment she created demons with her hair and used a trombone to fire lasers at angels. That’s literally all anyone should want in a game.
– James Orr
Oddworld: Soulstorm
Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC
No official date
The Oddworld series is HORRIFYING, especially if you stumble across it at a young enough age as I did. Abe’s Oddysee (1997) was ahead of its time, both in terms of its visuals and storyline.
Now, more than 20 years later, its sequel, Abe’s Exoddus (1998), gets a reimagining via Oddworld: Soulstorm. The below trailer incites both excitement and terror within. Now I remember why I started biting my nails.
– Dan Cribb
Little Nightmares II
PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC
No official date
Little Nightmares, the popular puzzle platformer horror game developed by Tarsier Studios, was released in 2017. You play as Six, a girl trapped in a mysterious vessel known as The Maw, that caters to the needs of its sick and deformed residents. The game debut to rave reviews by critics, with IGN calling it “smart, grotesque, and never-endingly weird”, and Polygon saying it’s “an effective and unsettling horror platformer”.
At Gamescom 2019, the time came and the world was introduced to Little Nightmares II. Following the escape from Maw, Six must work with a new character, Mono, to infiltrate a place known as Signal Tower. According to Dave Mervik (Tasier’s Senior Narrative Designer), “Signal Tower is the centre of the whole story.”
Little Nightmares kept me on the edge of my seat while rooting for Six to survive her horrifying adventure. The game quickly rose to become one of my favourite games of 2017. The art of the background and characters is phenomenal, which helps build the creepiness of The Maw and its horrifying residents. I’m hoping the sequel can recreate the same horrifying, yet adventurous style seen in the original, which is why Little Nightmares II is my most anticipated gaming release of 2020.
– Aidan Johnston
Ghost of Tsushima
PlayStation 4
No official date
The latest game from one of Sony’s first-party studios, Sucker Punch Productions, comes Ghosts of Tsushima, which was announced at Paris Games Week 2017 and is finally expected to be released in 2020. The storyline occurs during the first Mongolian invasion of Japan and follows the last surviving samurai, protagonist Jin Sakai. In order to defeat the Mongolians, Jin Sakai must abandon his samurai ways and become a ninja of the night.
As a big history fan, I’m excited about this game as it loosely follows an accurate depiction of this historical time period, whilst still being entertaining and unique. The graphics look phenomenal and make me really appreciate how far gaming has come in terms of lighting environments. The gameplay itself is quite slow paced, but respects the style of a samurai, and we are still eagerly awaiting gameplay of the stealth and horse combat modes. Ghosts of Tsushima is an ambitious leap from the creative minds at Sucker Punch Productions and could rival some of the very best names in gaming.
– Nicholas Micevski
Yakuza Remastered Collection
PlayStation 4
February 11
Get ready to smash heads and belt out some karaoke! After the prequel and remakes made a big hit in the West, the rest of the Yakuza series is finally coming to PS4, remastered in all its bloody and goofy glory. Yakuza follows the “Dragon of Dojima”, Kazuma Kiryu, and his many adventures with criminal organisation the Tojo Clan.
The series balances the line between action-packed brawler, Japanese drama, and weird, wacky and wholesome mini-games and side quests. Kiryu will be fighting dangerous crime bosses in an epic showdown in one instance, and then proceed to let off some steam with bowling or darts, all the while treating any and all activities as if they were life or death situations. This plays really well into both the epic and hilarious themes of the series. If you want a fun, action-packed game that both does and doesn’t take itself too seriously and that’s bursting with content Yakuza will be the experience for you.
– Jason Ronson
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Xbox One and PC
February 11
While I’m tempted to jump on the bandwagon and say Cyberpunk 2077 is my most anticipated title of 2020, I’d prefer to highlight a smaller but equally deserving game, Ori and the Will of the Wisps. While it may not have the size and scope of CD Projekt Red’s roleplaying behemoth, I can honestly say I’m just as excited to immerse myself in Ori’s charming fantasy world for a second time as I am to slap on a mohawk, leather pants and jack into the matrix.
The first chapter, Ori and the Blind Forest, was a side-scrolling platformer that was nothing short of breathtaking; with beautiful art, endearing design, and character to spare. Playing it felt like being a part of an interactive animated feature film, but with added addictive gameplay and a fascinating map of 2D platforming puzzles to solve.
I’m expecting more of the same with the sequel from Moon Studios, which will no doubt provide plenty of depth in a bite-sized, Metroidvania-styled package. If you haven’t played the first one yet, now is the time to discover Ori. It’ll take fewer hours than you have fingers on your hands. You won’t regret it.
– Liam O’Sullivan
Final Fantasy VII
PlayStation 4
March 3
I confess that growing up, I didn’t get the chance to get into Final Fantasy until the release of Final Fantasy XV which I thoroughly enjoyed. I’ve heard and read that Final Fantasy VII is one of the ‘well-loved ones’ of the series, hence why I’m excited about this remade version. I want to experience the love for Final Fantasy VII‘s storyline and gameplay along with the visual style that made me love Final Fantasy XV.
– Theodora Vatubua
World of Warcraft: Shadowlands
PC
No official date
World of Warcraft is due to have its eighth expansion, Shadowlands, which will follow on from Battle of Azeroth and will allow players to explore the Shadowlands, the realm between realms, for the very first time. As Sylvanas Windrunner has torn open the veil between Azeroth and the afterlife, players must venture into the Shadowlands and uncover the extent of Sylvanas’s plans.
With Shadowlands comes five new and unexplored zones as players will be required to forge a bond with one of four Covenants who each hold dominion over these new areas. In doing so, a player’s choice will set the tone of their unique journey and will dictate which abilities they will possess at max level. The expansion introduces the Tower of the Damned, an ‘everchanging, roguelike challenge’ which groups of up to five, or solo players, can take part in to reap the rewards of the Shadowlands.
A major change that comes with the new expansion is the new levelling system, which will see current max-level characters start Shadowlands at Level 50 and will work towards the new max cap of Level 60. Brand new players will level through to Level 10 in a new starting zone designed to teach them the core mechanics of World of Warcraft in a condensed experience. From Level 10, players will have the option to choose which expansion they want to level through up until Level 50, which is where they will venture into the newest expansion.
Shadowlands will have a greater variety of appearance options for new and existing characters with improved character customisation and will finally allow Pandaren and Allied races to become Death Knights.
– Rachael Sullivan
Marvel’s Avengers
PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC
May 15
Looming on the success of the MCU’s Avengers: Endgame, Crystal Dynamics and Square Enix’s Marvel’s Avengers allows you to reassemble Marvel’s greatest heroes. After unveiling their new compound in San Francisco, the heroes are forced to disband after their Terrigen Reactor malfunctions, causing catastrophic consequences to the general populous, including the death of one of their own.
As years went on, A.I.M has revolutionised the superhero process, replacing superhumans with artificial intelligence that police the planet to ensure the events of San Francisco never happen again. Suspecting the organisation may have an agenda, Kamala Khan, who comic fans may recognise as Ms. Marvel, strives to reassemble the Avengers to unearth A.I.M for what it truly is.
Promising to incorporate iconic characters from across Marvel Comics history, the storyline follows Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Black Widow, Hulk and Ms. Marvel across many years, allowing players to experience the fall of Earth’s mightiest heroes, and the process to them assembling once more. While not currently confirmed, classic Marvel characters Ant-Man, Hawkeye, Spider-Man, Taskmaster, and Abomination have been teased to appear, elevating fans excitement.
In a world dominated by superhero cinema and television, Marvel’s Avengers is an opportunity for a new audience to become invested in the genre. Utilising the momentum established in Rocksteady’s Arkham franchise and Insomniac’s Spider-Man, Marvel’s Avengers joins the ranks of superhero narrative videogames.
– Zack Phillips
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC
No official date
When I heard Traveller’s Tales and Warner Bros. were releasing a complete remake of the LEGO: Star Wars games I was floored. LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is set to be an amazing new experience for Star Wars and LEGO fans alike, with new camera angles and changes to combat.
An absolute standout feature of the game is that it will be open-world with non-linear gameplay. Players will be able to jump into the Skywalker Saga at any point and explore all the planets and locations on offer. Fans will also be able to fly between planets and deeply explore a galaxy far, far away. This title is going to completely revamp the way players perceive Lego games while giving them the opportunity to go deeper into an amazing franchise.
– Kieren Henfling
